First Lady Blog
Nominate a Deserving Texan for the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards
April is National Volunteer Month, which makes it the perfect time to nominate a deserving Texan for the 2018 Governor’s Volunteer Awards. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards are in their 35th year and are administered by OneStar Foundation, and I am privileged to once again serving as Honorary Chair. Through these awards, we honor the contributions of individuals, businesses and organizations in Texas that have made a positive impact in their communities or across Texas through service and volunteering.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Child Advocates of Fort Bend
A few months ago I had the pleasure of visiting Child Advocates of Fort Bend, which is the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) serving the children and families in Fort Bend County. Child Advocates of Fort Bend is a non-profit agency that has been making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected children for 26 years. Their mission is to provide a voice, heal the hurt, and break the cycle of child abuse in Fort Bend County.
Texas Wildflowers
Have you had a chance to get out on the open road and see some of this spring’s wildflowers? They are absolutely breathtaking. Here in Texas, we are fortunate to have such a gorgeous natural landscape that welcomes us to spring each year. From Indian paintbrushes to Mexican hats, and from Texas lantana to our State Flower of Texas – the bluebonnet – we are blessed with so many beautiful wildflowers.
Celebrating Women in Texas History
March is Women’s History Month in Texas, where we remember and celebrate the women past and present who have made lasting contributions here in the Lone Star State. Greg and I encourage all Texans to join us in celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the women of the Lone Star State who have made noteworthy contributions to our state and nation.
Texanthropy Spotlight: March for Meals
You may already know that Meals on Wheels is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. I have been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for almost a decade. Because I love this program so much, I am always looking for ways to get the word out about how wonderful it is, and the invaluable services it provides to seniors. During the month of March, Meals on Wheels programs across the country participate in March for Meals, where they hold fundraising events, walks or races, rallies, galas and more to raise awareness and funding. So Texanthropy is helping to spread the news with this week's #TexanthropySpotlight!
Light The Way
I am excited to once again join my fellow First Spouses across the United States in participating in the Light the Way Campaign. This initiative was started in 2011 by First Lady Mary Pat Christie of New Jersey to shine a light on the groundbreaking advances being made to empower individuals with Down syndrome. This year, First Lady Valerie Sununu of New Hampshire and First Lady Robin Hickenlooper are leading the charge.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Shelby Thomas – 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winner
In honor of AmeriCorps Week, today’s Texanthropy Spotlight is Shelby Thomas, the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards AmeriCorps VISTA “Make a Difference” Award Winner. This award recognizes the exemplary achievement of an AmeriCorps VISTA who is currently serving or has served the State of Texas. Shelby Thomas has served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Inc. (ACAM) in their Disaster Relief and Recovery Division.
Texanthropy Spotlight: Erin Moody – 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Award Winner
This whole week – from March 11-17 – is AmeriCorps Week, where we celebrate the programs, organizations and individuals that make this national service initiative possible in thousands of locations across the country. That is why today’s Texanthropy Spotlight is on Erin Moody, the 2017 Governor’s Volunteer Awards AmeriCorps “Make a Difference” Award Winner. This award recognizes the exemplary achievement of an AmeriCorps member who is currently serving or has served the State of Texas.